This section contains frequently asked questions about the Lexcel practice management standard.
What is Lexcel?
Lexcel is the Law Society's practice management standard. It is the most appropriate standard for the legal profession as it was written by solicitors for solicitors.
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Why should a legal practice apply for Lexcel?
Achieving Lexcel should benefit your practice in a number of ways. Research and feedback from Lexcel accredited practices has identified the following:
- effective risk management leading to fewer claims or complaints
- better customer service leading to increased client retention
- lower insurance premiums or favourable treatment from insurers
- improved marketability and competitive advantage
- greater success in tenders, beauty parades and panel reviews
- a major step towards demonstrating Best Value compliance for local authorities
- consistency of service from all solicitors and practice groups
- help with new practice rules
- increased profitability
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Should sole practitioners apply for Lexcel?
Yes, Lexcel is appropriate for all types and sizes of practices. It is particularly important for sole practitioners as they are perhaps under the most pressure to work harder, faster and smarter.
Contact us to obtain a copy of the Practical Guide for Sole Practitioners.
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Why is Lexcel popular with local government?
Lexcel has been well received as it helps them to implement the requirements of Best Value and continuous improvement.
Around one third of those who have achieved the Lexcel practice management standard are from local authority legal departments.
Contact us for a copy of the Guide for Local Authority and Other Public Sector Legal Departments.
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Why is Lexcel an effective risk management tool?
Lexcel is a good risk management tool as it covers all the main causes of claims against solicitors within the standard. In addition it covers specific procedures for assessing and managing risk within your practice.
Please contact us to obtain a copy of the Practical Guide to Minimising Risk.
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How long does it take to achieve Lexcel?
This depends on how committed you are to achieving the award. Those practices who have concentrated on achieving Lexcel have done so in two to three months, though on average it is likely to take around six months.
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What are the costs of Lexcel?
Achieving Lexcel will include costs for:
- an annual registration fee to the Law Society; and
- an assessment fee to the assessment body conducting the assessment.
Details of these costs can be found in the Lexcel information pack. Contact us to request a copy.
Lexcel can help minimise the time and money your practice currently spends on dealing with complaints and claims. You're also likely to receive a more substantial discount on your indemnity insurance premium. Lexcel is an investment and you are certain to recoup the money you have invested in many ways.
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Do I need to use a consultant?
Although you don't have to use a consultant you may find that it saves time and therefore money in the long run to do so.
Most Lexcel awarded practices did not use a consultant but if you'd like to employ a Lexcel trained consultant please view our consultant information page.
Alternatively, you can opt to register an employee from your own practice to undertake Lexcel training, in effect becoming an in-house Lexcel consultant.
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How does Lexcel compare to other quality standards?
Lexcel combines some elements of Investors in People, some elements of ISO 9000, and is a readily-translated quality standard for the legal profession.
If you have any other quality standards, such as the Legal Services Commission's Specialist Quality Mark, ISO 9000 or Investors in People, then your assessment could take even less time and also cost less, since you will be allowed exemptions for any areas already covered. In many cases, a joint assessment might be possible.
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Does Lexcel involve a set of systems and procedures?
Lexcel does not specify the exact systems and procedures you must follow. Since all types and sizes of practices can apply, Lexcel specifies the areas which should be covered, but leaves you to implement whichever system or procedure you prefer, making it very flexible.
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Has the standard been revised recently?
There have been many developments in the legal profession in recent years and the standard has been updated to reflect relevant changes in the law and management practice. A broad section of legal professionals, including sole practitioners and solicitors from public sector legal departments, were consulted as part of the revisions process and their suggestions have been incorporated for improvement to the standard.
The standard has been restructured to make it easier to use Lexcel as a development tool. By introducing clearer modules, practices can manage the process of obtaining Lexcel in manageable, bite size sections. Lexcel v5 was launched on 1 October 2011.
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How is the Law Society promoting Lexcel?
The Law Society is keen to raise the profile of Lexcel, both among the profession and with buyers of legal services and the general public.
Raising the profile of Lexcel amongst potential clients and customers is achieved in a number of ways:
- Assisting Lexcel accredited practices in promoting their own accreditation:
We send a marketing information sheet to all practices . We are also willing to provide, where possible a representative to attend events celebrating the award and a quote from the President of the Law Society congratulating successful practices, to be included in media releases; - National advertising and PR:
We writes articles and press releases for publication in a wide range of media; - Consumer and business groups:
We have issued information on Lexcel to Citizens Advice Bureaus and also promote Lexcel to business groupings, such as Business Link and Chamber of Commerce, throughout the country; - Local and regional Law Societies: We
We work closely with local and regional law societies to promote Lexcel through events, networking, and other opportunities.
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How do I get the new logos and branding for my practice?
Accredited practices, assessors and consultants should contact us.
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My practice is not based in England or Wales, can we still become Lexcel accredited?
Yes - V4.1 now applies to international practices. Download the Lexcel brochure (PDF 110 kb) or contact us for more information.
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